On Our Radar

When I need a break from my "office" (aka Jefferson Market Library), I can now run around the corner to the newly opened Mah Ze Dahr Bakery. Exquisitely crafted baked goods is the draw at this modern cafe space. Choose from beautiful pastries like brioche doughnuts, dark chocolate brownies, or brown butter blondies, and order your favorite espresso drink. If you're not in the mood for sweets, they also have savory items such as hand pies ...
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The New York Botanical Garden's Holiday Train Show is one of the highlights of Christmas in New York. I mean, yes, there is that gigantic tree in Rockefeller Center and, sure, the Christmas windows all around Midtown are a sight to behold, but there's nothing like taking in the collection of 150 New York City landmarks entirely constructed from plant material (!) in the Haupt Conservatory. And then there are the model trains. It would ...
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In October 2014, one of NYC's most beloved pieces of public art was taken from Astor Place. Did it need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city? Was the Cube priced out of its now fancy neighborhood (like the rest of us)? Did it go on a road trip looking for the meaning of life? We may never know, but two years after it was removed, the Cube has arrived back home. We stopped in our tracks when we stepped out of the 6 train station and saw it just looming there. Some things can come home a ...
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For old timers, and even people with just a decade or two under their belts here in New York, the transformation of The Bowery from forlorn skid row to the kind of street that can have expense account restaurants, and a clothing joint un-ironically called Blue and Cream, has been one of the stranger turnarounds in New York's recent history. One thing that has remained consistent: it's one of those areas New Yorkers avoid (once because of bums, now because of bros), but as with everything in the ...
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It's hard to believe, but the holidays are (almost) officially here. Why not prepare for the oncoming season of holiday parties by getting a jump on the action. Set sail on New York Harbor for a booze cruise to end all booze cruises. The Village Voice has put together over 25 distilleries and wineries that will be pouring festive cocktails to wet your whistle. Plus, there will be a full buffet to fill up on, and a salsa band to help you work off those extra calories. Oh yeah, the views of the NY ...
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The East Village, particularly what was once known as Alphabet City, has quietly amassed a pretty solid collection of Latin American restaurants in recent years, with old standbys like Yerba Buena, Yuca Bar, Casa Adela, Caracas and Esperanto joined by newcomers like Fonda, Cafe Cortadito, and now Secara. They serve up Venezuelan food in a ...
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It's amazing how a simple thing like hot bread straight out of the oven can be so satisfying. Manousheh's small kitchen on Bleecker Street, open behind the counter, is centered on the large oven where they bake their Lebanese-style flatbread. It's served with your choice of topping, like a simple but delicious zaatar (thyme, sumac, sesame seeds, olive oil) or soft akkawi cheese (or both together), all of which make for a surprisingly filling meal for not much money. You can get a sweet version w ...
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What's underneath the BQE, besides an entire society of filthy pigeons? North Brooklyn's tastiest risotto balls, modern art, karate, and a lot more. Come with NFT Editor Sarah Enelow as she finds East Williamsburg's choice attractions along the expressway.

Not only is NFT co-founder Rob Tallia one of the masterminds behind one of the best selling guidebooks in New York, he also likes to take photos late at night, write for a popular blog in Fort Greene,
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Follow NFT's intrepid editors as they poke, prod, and explore the cities they work, play, and (gasp) entertain their out-of-town friends in the brand new ebook Not For Tourists: Collected Essays 2005-
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This just in from NFT headquarters. With the fresh off the printer release of the 2011 Guides to Seattle, Philadelphia, and Atlanta, the new editions of all 12 NFT Guidebooks are now available. Even b
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